Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Drake Maye

Tuesday, August 5, 12:05 PM

The Los Angeles Rams and running back Kyren Williams agreed to a three-year, $33 million extension on Tuesday, including $23 million in guarantees, according to agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus. Williams gets rewarded with a new deal after topping 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons with the rams. Last year in 16 regular-season starts, the 24-year-old had a career-high 316 carries for 1,299 rushing yards and a career-best 14 rushing touchdowns, adding a career-high 34 receptions on 40 targets for another 182 yards and two scores. The numbers were great for fantasy purposes, but Williams wasn't as efficient as his Pro Bowl season in 2023, and second-year RB Blake Corum could see more involvement in 2025. It will be hard for Williams to ever be as efficient as he was in 2023 if Corum becomes more involved. He's on the RB1/2 borderline in RotoBaller's rankings.

Saturday, August 9, 12:26 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed three of his five pass attempts for 12 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He also registered two carries, 16 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. The touchdown came on Maye's second and final drive of the game, as he scrambled into the end zone to put the Patriots ahead by two scores. On a less positive note, Maye did take a sack and lose a fumble in the preseason opener. Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the former Tar Heel in his second pro season. Not only should he benefit from a new coaching regime led by Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, but he'll also have a full season, offseason, and training camp under his belt. The blend of playing experience and quality coaching will serve Maye well. The same can be said of his rushing skills and New England's offseason additions, both in the trenches and among the offensive skill positions. Maye is currently being drafted as a mid-to-low QB2 in most fantasy leagues, but there's a legitimate chance that he finishes among the top 10 quarterbacks in fantasy points this year. As long as Maye continues to make strides this preseason, he should be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts given his rushing ability.